Frequently Asked Questions
Your idea. Our design. Your stones or ours. Handmade with love. Here are answers to the questions we are asked most often. If yours is not here, share a photo of your idea at johnnyjewelry.com and we will be happy to help.
Custom & bespoke design
What does bespoke jewelry mean at Johnny Jewelry?
Bespoke means the piece is designed and made for you, from your idea. You bring a sketch, a photo, a stone you own or just a feeling you want to capture. Our GIA-trained designer and gemologist turns it into a design, matches the gemstones and our workshop makes it by hand. Every piece is one of a kind.
I only have a rough idea. Is that enough to start?
Yes. Many of our clients start with a few photos, a favorite color or a special date. At your consultation we ask questions, sketch ideas with you and suggest stones and metals until the design feels right.
Can you use my own gemstones?
Yes. Your stones or ours: we can design around a stone you already own, source new stones for you, or combine both in one piece.
Can you mix and match different gemstones in one piece?
Yes. Matching gemstones by color, tone and size is one of our specialties. We can also match stones to an existing piece or to birthstones.
What kinds of jewelry can you make?
Engagement rings, wedding and anniversary bands, cocktail rings, earrings, pendants, necklaces, bracelets and brooches, as well as commemorative rings and insignia pieces.
How it works
What are the steps for a custom piece?
First, a consultation in person in Tsim Sha Tsui or by video. Once you are happy to go ahead, we take a 50% deposit and prepare a CAD (computer-aided design) preview so you can see your piece before it is made. After you approve the design, our workshop handcrafts it.
How long does a custom piece take?
Most custom pieces take about 4–5 weeks from design approval. If you have a date in mind, such as a proposal, birthday or wedding, tell us at the start so we can plan around it.
How much does a custom piece cost?
Every piece is quoted individually, because the price depends on the design, the gemstones and the metal. Share a photo of your idea at johnnyjewelry.com and we will send you free design ideas and an estimate.
Can I see the design before it is made?
Yes. You approve a CAD preview before we start making your piece, and we are happy to make changes at that stage.
Natural and lab-grown diamonds
Do you work with both natural and lab-grown diamonds?
Yes. We source both natural (mined) diamonds and lab-grown diamonds, and we always tell you clearly which one you are buying. We are happy to show you both side by side so you can compare them.
What is the difference between a natural and a lab-grown diamond?
Both are real diamonds, made of the same carbon crystal, with the same hardness and sparkle, and you cannot tell them apart by eye. A natural diamond formed deep in the earth over millions of years and is mined. A lab-grown diamond is created in a laboratory in a matter of weeks.
Why are lab-grown diamonds so much cheaper?
Lab-grown diamonds can be produced in large quantities, so they cost far less than natural diamonds of the same size and quality, and their prices have kept falling. This also means they usually have little resale value. Natural diamonds are rare, which is why they have held their value better.
How do clients decide between them?
Some clients choose lab-grown for a larger or whiter stone within their budget, or for an everyday piece. Others prefer a natural diamond for an engagement ring or an heirloom, because of its rarity and long-term value. Some fall in love with a sapphire, tourmaline or another colored gemstone instead. We explain the trade-offs honestly and help you choose.
Do your diamonds come with grading reports?
Where available, we provide an independent grading report from the Gemological Institute of America (GIA), so you know exactly what you are getting.
Redesigning heirloom and old jewelry
Can you turn my old or inherited jewelry into a new piece?
Yes. Many clients have jewelry they love for its meaning but never wear. We can reset the stones into a new custom design you will enjoy wearing, so the story carries on.
Can you reuse the gold or platinum from my old jewelry?
Yes. Where the metal is suitable, we can reuse the gold, platinum or other precious metal from your old jewelry in your new piece, so even more of the original stays with you.
Can I see examples of redesigns?
Yes. Visit our Jewelry Remodeling page to see before-and-after redesigns.
Engagement rings
Can you design a custom engagement ring?
Yes. We design engagement rings from scratch or around a family stone, with natural or lab-grown diamonds or a colored gemstone. Allow about 4–5 weeks after the design is approved.
Can you make matching wedding bands?
Yes. We can design a wedding band to sit perfectly with your engagement ring, or make a matching pair.
Repairs and restoration
Do you repair jewelry?
Yes. We offer ring resizing, prong repairs, soldering, pearl restringing and antique restoration.
Do you restring pearls?
Yes. We restring pearl necklaces and bracelets. Bring them to our shop in Tsim Sha Tsui for an assessment.
Visiting, consultations and shipping
Where are you located?
Shop 22 & 28, Ground Floor, Far East Mansion Arcade, 5–6 Middle Road, Tsim Sha Tsui, Kowloon, Hong Kong.
What are your opening hours?
Monday to Saturday, 10:30am to 5:00pm. Closed on Sundays. After-hours appointments are available.
I don't live in Hong Kong. Can you still help?
Yes. We offer consultations by video and ship worldwide, so you can work with us from anywhere.
Do you ship to APO/FPO addresses?
Yes. We have served US military families in Asia for decades, including 40 years at the Marine Gift Shop at Camp Foster, Okinawa, and we ship to APO/FPO addresses.
How long have you been in business?
Johnny Jewelry is a family business with over 40 years of experience. It began in Honolulu, Hawaii, and has been based in Hong Kong since the 1980s.